James H. Schwanke, 91, Sartell

November 16, 1926 - December 16, 2017

Funeral Services will be at 11 am, Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Grey Eagle for James H. Schwanke, age 91, who passed away on Saturday at CentraCare Health Systems-Long Prairie. Rev. Michael Bitz will officiate and burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Grey Eagle at a later date. Family and friends may call one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday. Arrangements entrusted to Williams Dingmann Funeral Home – Stein Chapel, Long Prairie.

James Hartung Schwanke was born November 16, 1926 in Round Prairie, Minnesota, the son of George and Alvina (Hartung) Schwanke. He grew up and attended school in Grey Eagle. He married Erna M. Kuehne on October 2, 1951 in Grey Eagle. They farmed near Grey Eagle until retiring.

Jim believed that wildlife conservation was an important part of farming. He believed that all landowners shared the responsibility to create and maintain beneficial habitat. He accomplished this by planting thousands of trees, providing food plots, and retiring marginal crop and pasture lands.

James was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and served many years as an elder. He served on the Grey Eagle School Board and Todd County Zoning Board. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and spirited card games with his family.
James is survived by his children, Stephen (Judy) Schwanke, Sartell, MN, Christy Ploof, Brainerd, MN, and Timothy (Brenda) Schwanke, Grey Eagle; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Erna, his wife of 62 years, and sister Eleva Schwanke.